Istanbul, Turkey and terrorists bombings. Thinking of cancelling cruise.

[Mollie_Josh]

Yes, I saw the news story today about Turkey, specifically mentioning Izmir. They are pulling U.S. military families out due to terrorist threats. My husband and I are well traveled, but we do look obviously western, which causes greater concern. I am hopeful that Carnival will change the itinerary. I called, and they said they had not changed the itinerary yet. I know things will almost certainly be fine, but it seems like common sense not to visit a place where you could be an easy target among a group of presumably western tourists.

[psygist]

The itinerary for Celebrity Reflection this summer was previously changed. They replaced Istanbul with Crete and Bodrum as well as a second day in Athens. If they eliminate Kusadasi and Bodrum, anyone care to guess what will replace these ports?

[Mollie_Josh]

The itinerary for Celebrity Reflection this summer was previously changed. They replaced Istanbul with Crete and Bodrum as well as a second day in Athens. If they eliminate Kusadasi and Bodrum, anyone care to guess what will replace these ports?

 

Is your cruise still going to Izmir?

[wolfpackmom]

Just updated from Travel Watch to Travel WARNING. I'd avoid the area. Below is from their website:

 

 

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey. Effective March 29, 2016, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel posted to U.S. Consulate in Adana and family members of U.S. government civilians in Izmir and Mugla provinces, and restricted official travel to Turkey to “mission-critical” travel only. U.S. Consulate in Adana remains open and will provide all routine consular services. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated March 17, 2016.

 

 

Foreign and U.S. tourists have been explicitly targeted by international and indigenous terrorist organizations. U.S. citizens are reminded to review personal security plans and remain vigilant at all times. U.S. government personnel in Turkey remain subject to travel restrictions in southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazig. U.S. citizens should avoid areas in close proximity to the Syrian border.

 

For your safety:

Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, particularly near the Syrian border.

Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.

Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.

Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.

Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.

Monitor local media.

Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.

 

For further detailed information regarding Turkey and travel:

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Turkey’s Country Specific Information.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and help us locate you in an emergency.

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara, at +90-312-455-5555, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +90-312-455-5555 or +90-212-335-9000 (U.S. Consulate General Istanbul).

Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, at +90-212-335-9000.

Contact the U.S. Consulate in Adana, located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana at +90-322-455-4100.

Contact the Consular Agency in Izmir at Izmir@state.gov.

Call 1-888-407-4747 FREE toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[wolfpackmom]

I doubt that any cruise lines will stop in Turkey now that the Pentagon has made this announcement (on Tuesday, March 29, 2016). The State Department also re-issued a travel warning for Turkey due to increased threats from terror groups in the area.